The Breakdown
Blockworks
The Breakdown dives into the deepest topics in crypto, blockchain, and the macro forces shaping markets and power structures. Each episode breaks down complex ideas into clear, grounded analysis — separating signal from noise across crypto, finance, and geopolitics.
Hosted by David Canellis, The Breakdown features explainers, interviews, and conversations with the people building, regulating, and challenging the financial system.
A Blockworks podcast.
Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Hosted by David Canellis, The Breakdown features explainers, interviews, and conversations with the people building, regulating, and challenging the financial system.
A Blockworks podcast.
Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 28, 2023 • 17min
SBF Takes the Stand
SBF, Testifies in his own defense. The episode covers SBF's testimony and the challenges he faces while providing answers. It also discusses the evidence presented, including signal chats. The defense argues that SBF followed legal advice, but lacks evidence. The podcast explores the courtroom drama and reactions during the trial, including Martin Screli's opinion on SBF's odds of winning.
Oct 26, 2023 • 17min
Will the WSJ Retract Their Bogus Crypto Terror Financing Reporting?
The podcast discusses the controversy around the Wall Street Journal's reporting on crypto terrorism financing and the misinterpretation of data. It highlights community responses, the impact on crypto regulation, and potential implications of proposed rules for the crypto industry.
Oct 26, 2023 • 16min
Oops! The BlackRock ETF Code IBTC Has Been Around Since August...
Guest BlackRock ETF discusses the intrigue of a potential approved ETF. Topics include the risk of testifying, growing institutional interest in Bitcoin, Bitcoin ETFs, RWA, and legal disputes in the cryptocurrency industry.
Oct 24, 2023 • 15min
Bitcoin Up 100% in 2023, Hits Pre-Luna Crash Prices
Bitcoin surges, reaching pre-crash prices. Discussion on recent price action, approval of Bitcoin ETFs, and potential ETF approval. Impact of price spike on market, investor positioning, and divergent move between Bitcoin and traditional markets. Exploring bond market volatility and anticipation of ETF approval.
Oct 23, 2023 • 17min
Bitcoin $30k: Uptober is Back on the Menu!
This podcast explores the recent surge in Bitcoin's price, comparing its performance and investor sentiment with other cryptocurrencies. It discusses the potential approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and their market impact. Additionally, it explores the factors not yet priced in for Bitcoin and highlights Solana's recent performance and resilience.
Oct 22, 2023 • 12min
Crypto Winter Is Over (Says Morgan Stanley)
The hosts discuss the negative news surrounding crypto and read a positive article from Morgan Stanley. They analyze bitcoin's price cycles and the arrival of crypto spring. They explore the recent recovery of the crypto market and highlight key inflection points. They examine the current state of the crypto market and discuss Bitcoin as a flight to quality asset.
Oct 21, 2023 • 39min
BTC Rallies, ETF Nudges Closer, and a Fresh Fraud Accusation
This podcast discusses various topics including criticism of crypto for terrorism financing, the lawsuit against Gemini DCG for alleged crypto fraud, implications of the lawsuit on ETF conversion, the ongoing trial of Sam Bankman and testimonies, and the SEC dropping charges against Ripple CEO and Chairman.
Oct 21, 2023 • 13min
The SEC Drops the Ripple Case: How Big A Deal Is This?
The podcast discusses the SEC dropping the Ripple case and the implications of this decision. They also talk about the lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General against crypto companies and the potential implications for GBTC.
Oct 19, 2023 • 15min
The Latest Attack from Elizabeth Warren's Anti-Crypto Army
Senator Elizabeth Warren attempts to push a crypto KYC bill through using the Israel/Gaza conflict as leverage. The podcast explores the positive aspects of crypto, the connections between crypto financing and terrorism, the addition of members linked to Hamas to the sanctions list, and Chainalysis's findings regarding a recently sanctioned exchange. It also highlights the impact of media reports on crypto legislation and the legal status of cryptocurrencies.
Oct 19, 2023 • 18min
BlockFi CEO and Former Colleague Continue the Crush of SBF's Defense
Nishad Singh and Zach Prince testify in the SBF trial, discussing topics such as the solvency of Alameda Research, BlockFi's losses, FTX's spending and investments, manipulated balance sheets, and the defense's struggles.
